Best Geiger Counters Reviews

Nuclear power, even though is not widely spread, is a factor that puts fear in many people’s minds. There are quite a few such power generators in the world, which is why people tend to think that they need protection. Whether the fear is justified or not, it is best to feel safe, which is why Geiger counters are available for purchase in many locations, including the online market. And since there are plenty of models and choosing one may prove to be a difficult task, let me clarify a few things for you. Let’s start with the basics.

What is a Geiger counter?

I am not going to overcomplicate things and give you a scientific definition that you may or may not understand. A Geiger counter is a small piece of machinery, a gadget designed to detect and measure the level of radiation in your environment. It does so by using a Geiger Mueller tube (or often called a GM tube,) a device invented by Hans Geiger and E. W. Mueller in 1928. Even though the instrument is old, today a Geiger counter uses the same technology.

Who would buy a Geiger counter?

Although this may be the first time you hear about a Geiger counter, many people buy one for various reasons. Here are a few of them:

Some people like to play it safe and measure the level of radiation in their environment, food, water, and even their home. Now, who would do that if the next nuclear power plant is thousands of miles away? The answer is people who are aware of the fact that water may sometimes be contaminated by hazardous waste. It may sound as far-fetched, but it happens.

People who live next to a nuclear power plant consider that a Geiger counter is a ‘must have.’ You cannot really blame them. Accidents happen all the time, and waste is sometimes accidentally spilled. That is why it is best to have such a device at hand.

When something horrible happens, like an accident at a power plant, the first responders are always in danger. They cannot even go anywhere near the contaminated site without a Geiger counter.

Curiosity is another reason people buy Geiger counters. If you are interested in science and want to conduct industrial research, such a device is vital. However, this scenario is limited since you cannot find radioactive material in an uncontrolled You cannot buy it off the internet either. That is if you value your freedom.

I guess you have heard about survivalists, have you not? Some of them are convincedthat some day soon we will go through a nuclear war, which is why they buy a Geiger counter for their survival backpack.

Gadget lovers are also interested in buying such a device. They like to play with it and satisfy their curiosity.

Whichever the reason, you can always buy a Geiger counter. There are no restrictions, and you can easily find one.

What to consider when buying a Geiger counter?

That is one of the most common questions. You know what it is, you know why you want to buy it, but how do you know which is the right one? The answer is simple. The more you know about the device, the better the decision. Here is what you should take into consideration.

Price – this may not come to mind at first, but the price in an important part. Keep in mind that the more expensive such a device is, the better the quality. However, you may not need the newest model on the market. It depends on your necessities. My point is that you do not need a 700$ device just to satisfy your curiosity. You can find high-quality and efficient devices that only cost about 200$ or less. Just analyze your needs.

Avoid buying used equipment – I say that because you may not always know its history. That means the device could malfunction and you cannot even know. That is why it is best to spend a few extra bucks but get a brand new device. At least that way you know that its integrity has not been affected.

Timing – you cannot buy a high-quality Geiger counter in moments of crisis. That is because you may not find any. Just buy one now when everything is fine, and you will be all set when you need it (let’s hope that it is not the case.)

Make sure that your Geiger counter measures what you want it to measure – I know that sounds a bit ridiculous, but people expect a Geiger counter to measure all kinds of radiation. Yes, there are multiple. The point is that not all of them can detect ionizing radiation, which is the primary function of such a device. The devices that measure electromagnetic radiation in your home are not Geiger counters, and they are not designed to measure alpha, beta, gamma, and x-rays.

The size of the detector matters – the small GM tubes will be able to detect high levels of gamma radiation but will fail to detect subtle levels. The bigger the GM tube, the more efficient the device is.

Analog or digital – that aspect depends on your preference, but also the environment in which you use the device. Analog instruments have a needle that moves and are highly responsive to sudden changes. They are perfect for hospitals, labs, or wherever radiation is commonly found. However, they are not ideal for subtle changes. Also, analog instruments do not alert the user of level increase. Digital instruments, on the other hand, are more stable and do well in extreme temperatures and humid environments. They usually come with an alert feature, and they are more durable than the analog counterpart.

There are other things you should take into consideration, but the ones mentioned above are the most important. If you are going to do a simple search, you will notice that new models come with all sorts of additional features. Your choice depends on what you need, but on your budget as well.

What are the best Geiger counters?

If you are still confused about Geiger counters and you do not know how to choose the best one, take a look at the reviews I wrote for you. That should make your choice easier. They are not top of the line, but they are not bottom either. All three of them are reliable devices that will meet their purpose. All you have to do is pick one.

GQ GMC-300E-Plus Digita Geiger Counter

The GMC-300E-Plus is a new and improved model of GMC-300 series. The manufacturer added a few extra features for better quality and more features that may prove to be useful while using it. The high-contrast LCD module with the extra LED indicator makes the device easier to read, and the audio data port will allow the gadget to be connected to a third-party device, such as an iPad.

The device is small and easy to use. The audible and visual signal will alert you whenever the level of radiation is detected. The GMC-300E-Plus can be used both indoors and outdoors. Moreover, this device can record data for future references. It monitors the radiation level and will record the data in its internal memory. The USB port will allow you to connect the device to a computer, and the software will allow you to analyze the data whenever you have the chance.

The GMC-300E-Plus has a rechargeable battery that you will be able to charge using the USB port. You can do that using a wall adapter or even the cigarette lighter in your car. If you charge the device everytime before the battery dies, none of your data will go away. Other features include a real time clock for logging purposes and a GQ Geiger Counter software. The product is made of high-quality materials that will pass the test of time.Although it is one of the cheapest Geiger counters, the GMC-300E-Plus will not fail you. Click here to read more reviews and buy on Amazon.

Radex by Quarta-Rad RD1503

This model has been improved earlier this year, and the manufacturer added some new interesting features that will make your experience better than with the previous model, the one from 2016. One of the new improvements is the accumulative dose mode. That means the device will measure not just the immediate levels of radiation, but it will also let you know how much radiation has been detected over time. Another feature that may interest you is the graduated change of a threshold signal from 0.10 to 0.90 µSv/h with a 0.10 µSv/h interval. However, that is an individual setting you have to work with.

Even if you turn off the device, all the recorded values will be at your disposal. You can turn off Geiger counter without worrying about unsaved data. Also, the background values will include the difference between the average dose rate and the current one. When the level of radiation rises, the RD1503 model will alert you via vibration and audio alarm.

The Geiger counter from Radex is very easy to use and understand. The values are easy to read, and you will have no issues in using it whenever you need. The materials used for the product’s manufacture are high-quality and durable, which means you can enjoy it for years to come. It comes pre-calibrated, and the sensors are highly accurate. Click here to read more reviews and buy on Amazon.

Images SI GCA-06W Professional Geiger Counter

Just as the title suggests, this is a professional device meant for people with a real interest in radioactive research or studies. However, nobody can tell you not to buy it if you want to check your water from time to time. The choice is yours. After all, you are going to be the one spending all that money. This productis three times more expensive than the previous two.

Unlike the other two, the GCA-06W model has an external wand. That makes the device more accurate and more sensitive to sudden changes in the environment’s radiation levels. The meter is digital, which means the device will last longer and will do an amazing job at detecting radiation both inside and outside. It detects alpha rays, x-rays, beta and gamma rays thanks to the mica window. Of course, the levels have to overcome a particular threshold for the gadget to detect it, but you will find everything you need to know in the manual.

The product comes calibrated, and it works on 9V batteries (which are not included.) You have the option of purchasing the software that will help you analyze the data better, but that is not included in the price either. Whenever the level of radiation increases, the device will start visual and audible alarms. The GCA-06W is very easy to use, and the manual is simple to understand. You have plenty of features, and the sensors are highly sensitive. Click here to read more reviews and buy on Amazon.

My recommendation

Even if I am usually inclined to go for the cheaper versions, this time I will go with the one that I consider to be one of the best Geiger counters on the market. I am talking about the Images SI GCA-06W Professional Geiger Counter. It may not be top-shelf, I am sure that there are better out there, but this is the best one in an affordable price range. It is not the most expensive, but it is not the cheapest either. The quality is unquestionable, and it will do a terrific job no matter the purpose. That is why I strongly recommend it.

Conclusion

If it were 20 years ago, you could not havebought a Geiger counter. They were rare, and the price never went under 700$. However, the modern age allows you to buy anything you want at a reasonable price. Not to mention that there are multiple competitive manufacturers that strive for perfection. I am sure that these devices will become cheaper and cheaper every year, but their quality and features will improve considerably. Click here to buy on Amazon